A bright glimpse into the future

In the end, the Carling Cup did prove a bit of a distraction, even if we did get off to a bit of a nightmare. We regained composure and won the game 3-1, which is pleasing.

We went one nil down in the first quarter of an hour, and given recent events, I'd be lying to say I wasn't worried. Hearing on Sky Sports News that Shrewsbury came close to doubling the lead on numerous occasions didn't help matters either. We plugged away though, and got the equaliser from an unlikely source. Left back Kieran Gibbs headed in from a Carl Jenkinson cross. A huge sigh of relief all around the Emirates.

The second half was much better. We took control, capitalising on the lower leagues side deteriorating fitness levels. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came to the fore, displaying power, pace, technique and a real footballing brain. It was the youngster who put us infront, unleashing a powerful effort from 25 yards, a good hit but the keeper may feel disappointed allowing that one in.

We got the first glimpse of Ryo Miyaichi at the Emirates, who showed flashes showing he could yet have a role to play this season. In the middle, Francis Coquelin was impressive. Very reminiscent of Matthieu Flamini in the last season at the club, only with a wider range of passing. Ignasi Miquel was assured at the back, looking the elder statesmen at the back alongside the declining Johan Djourou. Right now, I'd play the young Spaniard ahead of Djourou, such is the worry of the Swiss' current form. Yossi Benayoun completed the scoring with a fine finish inside the box.

On Tuesday night we seen some bright glimpses. Marouane Chamakh is playing his way into form, Ju Young Park looks classy, Frimpong and Coquelin acquitted themselves well and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shown why Arsene Wenger spent big on his signature.

Like many, I'm pissed off that we are getting stick for having 46,000 turn up for a Carling Cup against Shrewsbury. How many stadiums in the Premier League can fit that amount of fans in their stadium?

Back tomorrow with a Bolton preview. Till then.